J-frame or LCP, or both?

[JH1951]

I have carried both. Giver the choice, the J-frame won out in the long run for me. The reason it won is that I could shoot much more effectively and comfortably with the J-frame. Actually sold my LCP to help get another J-frame.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Thanks for the input, guys. Speaking of the snub, do you normally carry any extra ammo, and if so, in a speed strip or speed loader? I can use a speed strip, although it's anything but speedy, haha. I would say I can reload reasonably quickly with the loader. As far as ammo, I've been carrying the Gold Dot 135gr +P short barrel in my revolver, and the Gold Dot 90gr in the LCP.

I carry 2 speedloaders in JOX belt pouches because it works with my usual attire. I also have speed strips that I've carried in either a flat belt pouch or a pocket pouch.

Having said that, the need to do a speed reload is incredibly remote. I carry reloads not because I think I may need to reload in the middle of a gunfight, but because if I am forced to shoot in self defense I don't want to wait for the 911 response with an empty gun.

I prefer speedloaders not necessarily because they're faster but because they're less fumble-prone than strips.

Assuming your ammo of choice is reliable in your guns and you can shoot them well then they would seem to be reasonable choices. While I don't have experience with the .380, research I've done suggests SD ammo with the 90gr XTP is the best balance between expansion and penetration in .380.

 

[AtomHeartMother]

Thanks for the input, guys. Speaking of the snub, do you normally carry any extra ammo, and if so, in a speed strip or speed loader? I can use a speed strip, although it's anything but speedy, haha. I would say I can reload reasonably quickly with the loader. As far as ammo, I've been carrying the Gold Dot 135gr +P short barrel in my revolver, and the Gold Dot 90gr in the LCP.

Check out Remingtons golden sabor +p for your snubby. These really have some stink on them and perform well in fbi tests. I carry them in my 642 with a safariland speed loader for reload.

 

[msauter]

For me, it always comes down to this:

The J-frame will ALWAYS fire five (or six) rounds, the semi-auto MAY fire five or more rounds.

 

[elm_creek_smith]

I had a KelTec P32. My brother had a KelTec P3AT. After a day shooting over my Chrony, I always carry my S&W Model 642-2 loaded with Speer 135 grain SBGD +P .38 Specials. Of course, off-duty I carry a 2 inch S&W Model 12-2 and/or a 3 inch S&W Model 13-3 (both round butts). I swapped off my P32*, and my brother swapped off his P3AT**.

*(I got a nickel-plated S&W Model 37 in a straight trade. )
**(My brother got a 4 inch, P&R, S&W Model 65 in a straight trade. )

 

[gnystrom]

I alternate between a J-frame and a Kahr PM9. I prefer my 340 or 640 but the Kahr carries much closer to the body and it gets a lot of belt time especially during the summer months.
That raises a good point. The Kahr PM/CM9 series has a trigger that closely resembles that of a finely tuned DA S&W.

 

[dinooch]

I'm a big fan of my 340sc and 442. My 9 Shield is a favorite as well. I do prefer the revolvers for many reasons and who can argue the fact that it doesn't spit shells on the sidewalk.

 

[Hasbeen1945]

I have a LCP, Sig 938 and a J frame. The LCP with out a doubt is the easiest to carry. But of all the handguns I have the LCP is the least fun to shoot. Reminds me of a fire cracker going off in my hand.

 

[gman51]

For those that would fire a J frame from inside their pocket I suggest you check out just how bad you can burn or hurt yourself doing that. Check out how not to shoot a revolver by Hickok45 and you will probably never again think about shooting a J frame from your pocket.
I have seen revolvers blow bark off of a tree I was holding next to and I scorched and blew a hole in a cardboard box I was rested against. No shooting from my pocket for sure.

Personally I carry an LCR and feel much safer than carrying an LCP or similar semi auto. Reliability and safety the revolver comes out the winner IMO.

 

[Mister X]

For those that would fire a J frame from inside their pocket I suggest you check out just how bad you can burn or hurt yourself doing that. Check out how not to shoot a revolver by Hickok45 and you will probably never again think about shooting a J frame from your pocket.
I have seen revolvers blow bark off of a tree I was holding next to and I scorched and blew a hole in a cardboard box I was rested against. No shooting from my pocket for sure.

Personally I carry an LCR and feel much safer than carrying an LCP or similar semi auto. Reliability and safety the revolver comes out the winner IMO.

Shooting from the pocket means a jacket pocket. It does for me at least. No real concerns IMO.

 

[edkato]

Both for certain. I've had wonderful luck with the LCP. My 442 goes along in the cooler months. I am never without the LCP, but always at least try to carry both depending on attire or situation.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have long been an LCP fanboy, but I recently took possession of my FIL's 442. I have no plans for moving away from the Ruger as my carry gun but, I have to admit that the little "J" has been whispering to me. My comfort level would be the same with both.

So,....

I could change.......

If I had to........

I guess........

 

[Kevin J.]

Nice Red Green reference.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I've got an LCP and 642. The LCP is so easy and convenient to carry. Drop it in my pants pocket in the mooning and it stays there till bedtime.

As far as what I shoot best? Eh... I shoot my 1911s best. But I shoot the LCP to my satisfaction for SD purposes. That I can shoot this or that pistol incrementally better isn't something that weighs heavily on my decision process. The number one factor is that I'm willing to carry it at all times. For the LCP the answer is yes. Other guns in my safe... not so much.

7yds

 

[camsdaddy]

*(I got a nickel-plated S&W Model 37 in a straight trade. )
**(My brother got a 4 inch, P&R, S&W Model 65 in a straight trade. )

I hope they threw in some ammo! I cant imagine someone wanting to trade those antique clunkers for your modern high capacity Keltec's

 

[TeaDub]

I own both. I also plan to keep both. Recently, I had been drawn to the LCP (it is a fairly recent purchase). Now that the newness has worn off a bit, I find myself back to my old "tried and true" 642/638.

The only real times I now carry my LCP is when even an Airweight is too difficult to conceal. That equals- rarely.

 

[Ziggy2525]

Year round, when I get up until I go to bed, an LCP in a Mika pocket holster goes in my front pocket. It's sort of like carrying a 7 shot derringer.

In the winter, if I'm wearing a coat/parka that makes pocket draw difficult, I put my 642 in my outer coat pocket (also in a Mika holster). If I'm going somewhere I have to leave my coat, instead of the 642, I'll move the LCP from my pants pocket to the coat while I have the coat on, then back to my front pocket when I have to take the coat off.

 

[Frankly45]

I prefer my 642 for primary carry. My lcp is my "reload". Thinner, faster and more rounds than a speed loader.

 

[shouldazagged]

I'm a revolver guy and have carried a J-frame for years. I'm considering the LCP as backup, or for my rare dress occasions.

The 640 will continue to be the primary.

 

[Gunnslinger]

What do you shoot best? Carry that. Problem solved.

I hit the range today and did some shooting with my snub, and also my G42. I really like the J, but I'm just nowhere near as accurate with it as I am with my semis. I was easily nailing small groups with the G42, but it took much more effort with the J. On top of that, it's not much fun to shoot (bangs up my hand). The LCP isn't quite as comfortable to shoot as the Glock, but I'd prefer practicing with over the J-frame. I'm sure I could get better with the J, but it'd take a lot of practice. If I'm being honest, I love the gun, but it's probably the one I shoot the worst.

As a side note, the G42 shoots really nice, but my objection to it is, it's about the same size as my LC9s, and it's not very pocketable. If I'm going to belt carry, there's no point in carrying the Glock when I have the LC9.